There is no area of life full of myths, propaganda, cliches and lies like education. People repeat falsehoods with such amazing authority, and refuse to see the contradictions when you point them out.
We're drunk on the lies.
We're drunk on the lies.
Lie no 1: Education is for jobs.
Truth
Education is for life. Training is for jobs. Education lays the foundation to learn specific skills. All people need to communicate, create, collaborate and critically analyze. You don't get that from learning STEM in grade 1.
Truth
Education is for life. Training is for jobs. Education lays the foundation to learn specific skills. All people need to communicate, create, collaborate and critically analyze. You don't get that from learning STEM in grade 1.
Lie no 2. All Kenyans go to uni to get employed
Fact
Studies show that up to 70% of Kenyan uni studemts eventually want to be self employed. They just need experience, capital and an enabling environment. If those were available, there would be very few graduates to employ.
Fact
Studies show that up to 70% of Kenyan uni studemts eventually want to be self employed. They just need experience, capital and an enabling environment. If those were available, there would be very few graduates to employ.
Lie no 3: People who pass exams are academic
Truth
People who pass exams are just that. People who pass exams. Maybe with additional skills in cramming.
Academics is another ball game. Academics are people who study, research and advance ideas.
Truth
People who pass exams are just that. People who pass exams. Maybe with additional skills in cramming.
Academics is another ball game. Academics are people who study, research and advance ideas.
Lie no. 4. You can have skills with no theory and theory with no skills. And it's better to have the former.
Truth
There is no such thing as a skilled technician who doesnt understand the underlying principles of the skill.
Truth
There is no such thing as a skilled technician who doesnt understand the underlying principles of the skill.
Lie no. 5. People who pass in exams are theoretical.but not practical.
Truth
Back to lie no. 3. People who pass exams are good in taking exams. Not good in theory.
Theory is knowledge that helps you understand and apply to practice.
Truth
Back to lie no. 3. People who pass exams are good in taking exams. Not good in theory.
Theory is knowledge that helps you understand and apply to practice.
The division between knowledge and skill is an anti-human propaganda of asserting class hierarchies. The rich want theory for a few who control work, and practice for the poor who are exploited. Employers love this lie because they want docile workers.
Lie no 5: schooling and education mean the same thing.
Truth
In Kenya, schooling is largely for certification and entry into the narrow and colonial economy of privilege. Education happens both inside and outside school.
Truth
In Kenya, schooling is largely for certification and entry into the narrow and colonial economy of privilege. Education happens both inside and outside school.
Lie no 6: 80% of Kenyan university students are in the arts.
Fact
Fact
Lie no 7: the people who excel in our colonial education system have no impact because they'll just have certs without street wisdom or entrepreneurial skills.
Truth
Many A students have a strong but DAMAGING impact. Many are beneficiaries of and obstacles to social justice.
Truth
Many A students have a strong but DAMAGING impact. Many are beneficiaries of and obstacles to social justice.
Truth
"A" students facilitate theft by the rich. They are the accountants who manage the loot of the rich, lawyers who protect the theives who are rich, PR agents who launder the reputations of the rich, doctors who treat the rich and teachers who teach their kids.
"A" students facilitate theft by the rich. They are the accountants who manage the loot of the rich, lawyers who protect the theives who are rich, PR agents who launder the reputations of the rich, doctors who treat the rich and teachers who teach their kids.
Lie no 8: the graduates are unable to fit into the workplace because the universities did not give them the necessary skills.
Truth
Many employers are bullies and don't like graduates because graduates can articulate it and stand up to employers.
Check #toxicworkspaces
Truth
Many employers are bullies and don't like graduates because graduates can articulate it and stand up to employers.
Check #toxicworkspaces
Truth (b)
There is no such thing as a work ready graduate.
There is no such thing as a work ready graduate.
I will add more lies as I come across them.
